PMs car spy spots prototypes for the 2013 on streets in Michigan, confirming reports that Lincoln is planning a major redesign for the front ends of its 2013 cars.

PM's car spy spots prototypes for the 2013 on streets in Michigan, confirming reports that Lincoln is planning a major redesign for the front ends of its 2013 cars.

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2013 Lincoln MKT: Car Spy

2013 Lincoln MKT: Car Spy

Reports that Lincoln will redesign the front end of its cars and SUVs appear to be confirmed by photos of 2013 model Lincolns now undergoing prototype testing at Ford’s proving-ground locations. These shots reveal the extent of changes in store for the next version of the MKT crossover.

The so-called waterfall grille design will be washed down the river—but gently. Vertical bars are thinner and more refined. While Lincoln took pains to hide this and other changes, there is no mistaking the revisions: The bar in the center of the grille is wider, lower intake openings have a new form, and the whole front fascia has a new appearance, though the front fenders seem to be carryovers. In the lower fascia, the air intake is not as wide, du pushed in by the wider parking light reflectors. These changes may not appear significant at first, but they are a strong answer to Lincoln dealers’ demands for more elegance and less in-your-face styling on the grilles.

By the way, is that a Pontiac-inspired separation in the center of the grille?

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2013 Lincoln MKT: Car Spy

2013 Lincoln MKT: Car Spy

Reports that Lincoln will redesign the front end of its cars and SUVs appear to be confirmed by photos of 2013 model Lincolns now undergoing prototype testing at Ford’s proving-ground locations. These shots reveal the extent of changes in store for the next version of the MKT crossover.

The so-called waterfall grille design will be washed down the river—but gently. Vertical bars are thinner and more refined. While Lincoln took pains to hide this and other changes, there is no mistaking the revisions: The bar in the center of the grille is wider, lower intake openings have a new form, and the whole front fascia has a new appearance, though the front fenders seem to be carryovers. In the lower fascia, the air intake is not as wide, du pushed in by the wider parking light reflectors. These changes may not appear significant at first, but they are a strong answer to Lincoln dealers’ demands for more elegance and less in-your-face styling on the grilles.

By the way, is that a Pontiac-inspired separation in the center of the grille?

2013 Lincoln MKT: Car Spy

Reports that Lincoln will redesign the front end of its cars and SUVs appear to be confirmed by photos of 2013 model Lincolns now undergoing prototype testing at Ford’s proving-ground locations. These shots reveal the extent of changes in store for the next version of the MKT crossover.

The so-called waterfall grille design will be washed down the river—but gently. Vertical bars are thinner and more refined. While Lincoln took pains to hide this and other changes, there is no mistaking the revisions: The bar in the center of the grille is wider, lower intake openings have a new form, and the whole front fascia has a new appearance, though the front fenders seem to be carryovers. In the lower fascia, the air intake is not as wide, du pushed in by the wider parking light reflectors. These changes may not appear significant at first, but they are a strong answer to Lincoln dealers’ demands for more elegance and less in-your-face styling on the grilles.

By the way, is that a Pontiac-inspired separation in the center of the grille?

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2Of6

2013 Lincoln MKT: Car Spy

Reports that Lincoln will redesign the front end of its cars and SUVs appear to be confirmed by photos of 2013 model Lincolns now undergoing prototype testing at Ford’s proving-ground locations. These shots reveal the extent of changes in store for the next version of the MKT crossover.

The so-called waterfall grille design will be washed down the river—but gently. Vertical bars are thinner and more refined. While Lincoln took pains to hide this and other changes, there is no mistaking the revisions: The bar in the center of the grille is wider, lower intake openings have a new form, and the whole front fascia has a new appearance, though the front fenders seem to be carryovers. In the lower fascia, the air intake is not as wide, du pushed in by the wider parking light reflectors. These changes may not appear significant at first, but they are a strong answer to Lincoln dealers’ demands for more elegance and less in-your-face styling on the grilles.

By the way, is that a Pontiac-inspired separation in the center of the grille?

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The wheels have a new look too. Ten dual spokes, arranged alternately on the inside and outside edges of the rim, replace the 15-spoke layout of current models.

Other styling changes appear minor at best. But since they’re centered on the front end—especially the grille area—they signal Lincoln’s major pullback on its low and deep grille, vertical-bar layout.

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The wheels have a new look too. Ten dual spokes, arranged alternately on the inside and outside edges of the rim, replace the 15-spoke layout of current models.

Other styling changes appear minor at best. But since they’re centered on the front end—especially the grille area—they signal Lincoln’s major pullback on its low and deep grille, vertical-bar layout.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5Of6

Industry reports have Lincoln making major tweaks of ride and handling in the new models, aimed at separating the Lincoln brand from its sister vehicles at Ford. We’ll find out how successful the brand was when the 2013 MKT arrives to replace the 2012 seen here.

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Industry reports have Lincoln making major tweaks of ride and handling in the new models, aimed at separating the Lincoln brand from its sister vehicles at Ford. We’ll find out how successful the brand was when the 2013 MKT arrives to replace the 2012 seen here.